The first luxury train of India, the Palace on Wheels offers you a chance to explore another desert kingdom of Jodhpur on Saturday, during its itinerary. Famous for its magnificent forts and palaces, Jodhpur is the second largest city of Rajasthan and a major tourist attraction in the country. Situated at the edge of the Thar Desert, it was founded by Rajput chief Rao Jodha in the year 1459. The erstwhile capital of the kingdom of Marwar, Jodhpur is dotted with a number of tourist attractions including forts, palaces, museums, and much more. Also known as the ‘Blue City’ or the ‘Sun City’, it is strategically placed on the road that links Delhi to the western Indian state of Gujarat.Area-112.40 square km
Established On-1459
Founded By–Rao Jodha, chief of the Rathore clan
Location– Located towards the west of Jaipur (Distance: 338 km)
How to Reach
By Train- Jodhpur railway station
By Air- Jodhpur Airport, just 5 km from the city center
By Road- Delhi (569 km), Jaisalmer (290 km), Bikaner (240 km) and Agra (580 km), Jaipur (338km), Ahmedabad (455 km)
Best time to Visit–October to March
Language Spoken– Hindi, Marwari and Rajasthani
Famous delicacies– Pyaaz Kachori, Mirchi Wada, Daal Bati Churma, Makhniya Lassi, Gulab Jamun ki Sabzi, Besan ki Chakki, Mavve ki Kachori
History
Jodhpur was established by Rao Jodha, the chief of the Rathore clan in 1459. History states that the Rathore clan was uprooted by Afghans, from Kaunaj, their homeland. The Rathores came to Pali, now Jodhpur. Rathore Siahaji got married the sister of a local prince who helped the Rathores in establishing themselves in the area. In the wake of fining a secure capital for themselves, the Rathores, defeated the Pratiharasm out of Mandore. 9 km away from it, in the year 1459, Rao Jodha, founded Jodhpur. Under the rule of Maharaja Umed Singh, Jodhpur grew into a flourishing modern city.
If land area is considered, Jodhopur was the largest Rajputana princely state during the British Rule. The Marwari merchants flourished under the rule of the British who became an important player in the trade, all around the country. In 1947, after India gained independence, Jodhpur became the second largest city of the royal state of Rajasthan.
Culture
Placed on the periphery of the Thar Desert, Jodhpur was formerly an important trade center of the country. Known for having atypical Marwari accent, the people of Jodhpur are known for being the most hospitable and friendly. The festivals like Diwali and Holi are celebrated by with great zeal and fervor. The local people speak Hindi, Marwari and Rajasthani. The lifestyle of Jodhpur is known for being colorful and vivacious. The women wear hip-length jacket with 3 quarter length sleeves and layered skirts. They are known for wearing for bold jewellery on forehead, nose, arms, wrist, feet, waist etc. The men of Jodhpur are popular for wearing colourful turbans and Jodhpurs which are special trousers, tight from the bottom.
Shopping
Jodhpur is an amazing destination to indulge in shopping. You have a lot to get your hands in the local markets of the Blue City. Buying lacquerware antiques, metal-ware and tie and dye textile material of Bandhini, is a must for every visitor. Men can buy Jodhpuri trousers from here. Wear these amazing pants and feel like an Indian Maharaja. Another must-buy is embroidered leather Jodhpuri footwear or a Jutti. You can also buy carpets, puppets, other Rajasthani textiles, clay figures, miniature camels and elephants, classic silver jewellery and marble inlay work. Some of the very popular markets in Jodhpur are Sojati Gate, Station Road, Tripolia Bazaar, Mochi Bazaar, Clock Tower and Nai Sarak.
